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A Basic Guide of Arc Welding Electrodes
A Basic Guide of Arc Welding Electrodes
by Bruce Bauerlein
INTRODUCTION
There are many different types of electrodes used in the shielded metal arc welding, (SMAW)
process. The intent of this guide is to help with the identification and selection of these
electrodes.
ELECTRODE IDENTIFICATION
Arc welding electrodes are identified using the A.W.S, (American Welding Society) numbering
system and are made in sizes from 1/16 to 5/16 . An example would be a welding rod identified
as an 1/8" E6011 electrode.
Next will be either a 4 or 5 digit number stamped on the electrode. The first two numbers of a 4
digit number and the first 3 digits of a 5 digit number indicate the minimum tensile strength (in
thousands of pounds per square inch) of the weld that the rod will produce, stress relieved.
Examples would be as follows:
E60xx would have a tensile strength of 60,000 psi E110XX would be 110,000 psi
The next to last digit indicates the position the electrode can be used in.
The last two digits together, indicate the type of coating on the electrode and the welding current
the electrode can be used with. Such as DC straight, (DC -) DC reverse (DC+) or A.C.
I won't describe the type of coatings of the various electrodes, but will give examples of the type
current each will work with.
CURRENT TYPES
SMAW is performed using either AC or DCcurrent. Since DC current flows in one direction, DC
current can be DC straight, (electrode negative) or DC reversed (electrode positive). With DC
reversed,(DC+ OR DCRP) the weld penetration will be deep. DC straight (DC- OR DCSP) the
weld will have a faster melt off and deposit rate. The weld will have medium penetration.
Ac current changes it's polarity 120 times a second by it's self and can not be changed as can DC
current.
The following will serve as a basic guide of the amp range that can be used for different size
electrodes. Note that these ratings can be different between various electrode manufactures for
the same size rod. Also the type coating on the electrode could effect the amperage range. When
possible, check the manufactures info of the electrode you will be using for their recommended
amperage settings.
Electrode Table
1/16" 20 - 40 UP TO
3/16"
3/32" 40 - 125 UP TO
1/4"
Note! The thicker the material to be welded, the higher the current needed and the larger the
electrode needed.
This section will briefly describe four electrodes that are commonly used for maintenance and
repair welding of mild steel. There are many other electrodes available for the welding of other
kinds of metals. Check with your local welding supply dealer for the electrode that should be
used for the metal you want to weld.
E6010 This electrode is used for all position welding using DCRP. It produces a deep
penetrating weld and works well on dirty,rusted, or painted metals
E6011 This electrode has the same characteristics of the E6010, but can be used with AC and
DC currents.
E6013 This electrode can be used with AC and DC currents. It produces a medium penetrating
weld with a superior weld bead appearance.
E7018 This electrode is known as a low hydrogen electrode and can be used with AC or DC.
The coating on the electrode has a low moisture content that reduces the introduction of
hydrogen into the weld. The electrode can produce welds of x-ray quality with medium
penetration. (Note, this electrode must be kept dry. If it gets wet, it must be dried in a rod oven
before use.)
It is hoped that this basic information will help the new or home shop welder identify the various
types of electrodes and select the correct one for their welding projects.
Bruce Bauerlein
Rev: 03/07/97